Semi-Finals Up Next!

So the World Cup semis are upon us. Gonna start in just under six hours.
I'm sure the people are there are already partying: Germans, Italians, French and the Portuguese; each willing their team onward to Sunday's finals!

Most of the World Cup news still hogged by England's loss and the Argentinian-German fisticuff, not much news about the teams preparing for the semis. I guess many were expecting the likes of Brazil and Argentina to be in them, thus are hastily preapring new notes for the unexpected semifinalists.

Germany-Italy (Germany 2, Italy 1)
So later we'll start off with Germany-Italy. Think many do not expect either of these to advance so far into the tournament, but they are here nonetheless. Germans have really caught our eye with vibrant attacking displays, especially Podolski and Klose although I don't think they have been really tested in defence. Tonight will be their big test, in a way. Will Mertersacker and Metzelder match up to the likes of del Piero, Toni, Totti? Conversely, the Italians have a strong defence marshalled by the outstanding Cannavaro and Materazzi. Guess the battle will be won and lost as usual in midfield: Ballack vs. Gattuso, Schwensteiger vs. Zambrotta. Ballack has not scored yet...as woeful as his-team mate-to-be Lampard. But lampard has no further chances, Ballack at least one. Will he score and bring Germany to life? Or will Luca Toni, scorer of two goals the last time out, score again? Penalties again? I think the match will be settled before that. Lehmann would have the advantage over Buffon, having done wonders in the Argentine shootout, as well as in the Champions League semis - he knows all about the pressure cooker of a shootout. I think Germany will come out ahead, only if they have home ground advantage, but I really think that they would make a good champion.

France-Portugal (France 2, Portugal 0)
A tough one to call. Again I don't think many expected either to make it this far. Both teams having to go through two classy teams each. Portugal will have Deco and Costinha back from suspension, and look the faster and classier team. But I think this will be their shortcoming against an experienced French side. Likes of Ronaldo and Deco against Makelele, Thuram and Gallas. The Portuguese are in their first quarterfinals since 1966, hoping to emulate that team of greatness, but with Zidane and co. in their way, I don't think they stand a chance. The French still have their ace in the pack...no not Zidane or Henry...but Ribery. If he plays well the team has a chance especially with his bursting runs and passing. Of course with a player of Henry's quality in the team, you only need one moment of brilliance to turn the course of the game. One aspect of the game the French need to be aware of: the playacting finesse of the Portuguese, well maybe not up to par yet, but highly effective as we saw against England. For one I support the use of on-field cameras to catch there crooks, but that's wishful thinking this World Cup...maybe the next? And penalties? Again I don't think it'll go that far, but of course Ricardo and Portugal will have the advantage if it comes to that. But penalties as they say are a lottery, so the Portuguese may not be the lucky team on the night if it comes to that, yes?

So we have the matchups, everyone's raring to go. Finals is only five more days away, and we will have a new World Champion. Which of the four teams? I certainly hope Germany. See you in the Finals!